Effect of maternal delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on developing serotonergic system.

ABSTRACT

In this study we investigated the effects of maternal delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the developing serotonergic system. A daily dose of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (5 mg/kg body weight) was administered p.o. to pregnant rats from gestational day 5 to postnatal day 1. Levels of indolamines were measured in four brain areas of the offspring on the day before or after birth. Levels of indolamines depended on the cerebral area, sex and pre- or postnatal age. Maternal exposure to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol decreased diencephalic levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), males being more susceptible than females. These perinatal changes could be responsible for the long-term neurophysiological alterations produced by cannabinoids.